Chandler Daily Local Headlines: Community Impact Day, Ostrich Festival update, and a new downtown opening
Chandler, AZ – February 28, 2026 – Homelessness resource day set for March 4; Ostrich Festival adds headliners; new cafe-studio opens downtown.
Local headlines for Saturday
Chandler heads into the weekend with a mix of community services, big-event announcements, and fresh downtown openings.
1) East Valley Community Impact Day set for March 4
City officials say Chandler is partnering with Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe on a one-day resource fair aimed at helping people who are at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing homelessness. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Redemption Gilbert Church in Gilbert.
Organizers say attendees can find a job fair and more than 60 service providers offering housing support, employment help, healthcare, veteran services and ID assistance. The city also noted on-site basics like showers, haircuts, clothing and hygiene items, plus breakfast and lunch, to help people prepare for interviews and next steps.
2) Ostrich Festival announces more headliners for Weekend 2
New details are out for the Chandler Ostrich Festival’s second weekend in March. A recent update says Baby Bash and Vanilla Ice are set to perform as part of the festival’s Weekend 2 lineup.
With the festival just weeks away, expect more operational details — including transportation, parking, and day-by-day schedules — to matter as much as the music for anyone planning to go.
3) PIP Coffee + Clay opens a Chandler location near downtown
A new multi-use cafe and ceramics studio has opened at 44 W. Erie St. The concept combines a coffee shop with pottery offerings, including wheel-throwing classes and hand-building workshops. The space also includes a small resale boutique called The Pearl featuring designer, vintage and upcycled clothing.
4) César Chávez tribute event planned for March 20
The city also announced Noche Illuminada: A Tribute to César Chávez, a community event planned for Friday, March 20, from 6–9 p.m. at the Chandler City Hall Courtyard. The program is billed as a cultural celebration with performances, interactive art, cuisine and a hosted dinner, with registration required.
Sources
https://www.chandleraz.gov/news-center/chandler-joins-three-east-valley-municipalities-one-day-resource-event-serving-people
https://www.azfamily.com/video/2026/02/28/chandler-ostrich-festival-reveals-2nd-weekend-headliners/
https://www.chandleraz.gov/news-center/pip-coffee-clay-opens-new-chandler-location
https://www.chandleraz.gov/news-center/city-chandler-honors-cesar-chavez-evening-under-stars
